Central European budget carrier Wizz Air has reached a firm agreement to establish a new operator in Abu Dhabi, which will commence services in autumn this year.
The airline is tying up with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company to set up the Middle Eastern operation.
It states that it has commenced the process of obtaining an air operator’s certificate and licence from the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority.
Wizz Air describes the definitive agreement as a “major milestone”, adding that Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will bring “low fares paired with a high-quality on-board experience”.
It has yet to unveil its network but promises a range of routes to destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa.
The airline adds that it is to embark on a recruitment programme for the carrier over the next few months.
Wizz Air is an exclusive Airbus A320-family operator but has still to outline fleet plans for the Abu Dhabi operation.
“[Our] mission feeds into Abu Dhabi’s diversified economic strategy as we aim to stimulate traffic by creating demand to the benefit of growing Abu Dhabi’s touristic and economic diversity,” says Wizz Air Holdings chief Jozsef Varadi.
Wizz Air adds that the decision aligns with a Dhs50 billion accelerator programme in the emirate, known as Ghadan 21.
